Smith plays his way out of ULV

photo by Sylvia Castellanos

Kendell Smith, senior, put on a senior recital along with drummer Chris Davis and father Randy Davis on guitar, in Founders Auditorium on Monday night. Smith debuted songs from his new album "Where to Now," as well as songs from his last album "Life for Something Better." His senior project was the "Where to Now" CD, but "Why do a project if you can't show people?" Smith said.

by Monique Jimenez
Staff Writer

Founders Auditorium was quickly lit up on Monday as University of La Verne senior Kendell Smith and his four band members, performed his senior recital.

The stage of Founders was transformed as Smith and his band members performed songs from his CD “Where to Now.” Smith has worked on his CD since last summer and completed it this past winter.

The evening began as a large party with the high energy and flavor of different musical geniuses coming through in the performance.

“He is the most amazing musician I know and I have listened to him since high school, and he has evolved so much over years,” senior liberal studies major Vanessa Avila said.

Smith has many musical influences, but the performance paid homage to Carlos Santana and Matchbox 20’s front man Rob Thomas, who he says influenced this album.

The journey of Smith is obvious in his music and was shining through on Monday night as the audience was totally involved throughout the performance.

Band member Michael Stallings accompanied Smith as they performed, “Surely Company,” which was written by both of them a few years ago.

This performance was a presentation of a project that Smith started about a year ago as a reflection of where he is going and what is going to happen after he graduates from ULV.

“The majority of my music reflects the thoughts I had when thinking of the future and life after graduation,” Smith said.

The evening of music brought in an audience, which was enthusiastic and willing to participate. Stallings danced through the rows of seats and grabbed out audience members to start dancing to all the sounds of Smith and his band members.

“I was really impressed by his performance, he has so much talent and he did something new and different which was really fun,” said senior music major Misa Kitagawa.

Smith performed with a high energy level, beginning at a piano and quickly switching to guitar in between songs.

“The night was about showing who I am to those around me, the ones who were always there for me and those who expressed their care for me,” Smith said. ‘“It was a time to show everyone who I am.”